ASH KNIGHT
Founder
Who is Ash?
Ash has been in the recruitment industry since 2009 and has spent the last 12 successful years in specialist recruitment markets, building some of the UK’s fastest growing businesses along the way.
Ash originally founded Ashley James Consulting back in 2015. AJC is the heritage brand laying down the foundations and mistakes that led to what Ashley James Group is today. Since partnering with James and other partners across the group, the group has grown from 4 people to over 35 globally in just a few short years, half of which was during the pandemic.
He has worked both in-house and externally, so naturally understands the challenges a growing business faces when hiring. Ash has held integral roles in privately owned, capital invested and larger businesses having previously completed an interim assignment in a global bio-pharmaceutical company with over 50,000 employees.
Outside of the recruitment world he enjoys spending time with his wife, two young sons Archie and Jude and daughter Ottilie. Since taking up golf a few years ago (he’s bang average) Ash can often found searching for wayward golf balls in the Sunday morning competition which has resulted in him becoming a part-time footballer (Goalkeeper). Often helping out a semi-professional side in either the North West Counties or Staffordshire County Premier Football League.
As a busy man both family side and in business, Ash also enjoys spending time either in the gym (rare) or out running (also rare) but prefers dining out with the wife and kids, having a beer with the team or hitting balls at the range.
What do you enjoy most about recruiting?
“Since growing several successful companies of my own, my enjoyment comes from seeing the team grow, develop and achieve their goals. Making awesome placements or winning a new client is great, but it feels so much better when one of the team do it from my coaching or development. We’ve got an amazing bunch of humans here and I’m grateful that they joined and proud that I get to work with them every day.”